Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Eoghan Murphy is reportedly close to brokering a deal with Airbnb that would require landlords to apply for planning permission before transforming their residential properties into commercial short-term lets.
According to thetimes.co.uk, there are approximately 3,000 people in Dublin who rent properties to guests without specific permission to do so. This led to landlords earning close to twice the average rent in the capital last year.
A Department of Housing spokesperson commented, "There may be an increase in investors purchasing residential units for short-term letting as an investment option. This scenario would mean less long-term and secure accommodation will be available to the growing numbers of people who need it. The social and economic impacts of difficulties in accessing accommodation are significant and will not be compensated by other economic benefits of the shift of residential units into short-term letting."
It is expected that a group of representatives from An Bord Pleanála, Fáilte Ireland, the Residential Tenancies Board, Dublin City Council, and the Departments of Housing, Jobs and Finance will come together to decide on a recommended approach on short-term lettings some time this autumn.
